Mr. Reagan was a wreck when Tesse arrived. He was screaming incoherently and handing out directions to the cast that didn’t make sense. “Look who decided to show up!” he yelled when he finally acknowledged her standing there.
Tesse took a deep breath and stepped right into the scene without a word to him. Thankfully, her voice was back and the tension in the theater relaxed as soon as she fell into the role of Christine. She sang to Raoul as if she were singing to Jerrod. She was going to let the Phantom go. She had to. Their love was a dream—a beautiful dream impossible to maintain in the real world.
“Better, definitely better,” Mr. Reagan said curtly after she finished. “Okay, people! We are starting from the beginning. Heads will roll if this isn’t perfect. Perfect, people!”
Spending the day in the theater was actually the best thing for Tesse. It reaffirmed that this was what she was meant to do. Her voice rang out loud and true, with an emotional depth not possible without real heartache to pull from.
“Halleluiah, the girl is back!” Mr. Reagan shouted, clapping his hands together. “I think we are actually going to pull this off.”
Tesse kept glancing around the auditorium to see if Jerrod had come to watch, but she didn’t see him the entire day. If he could hear her sing now, he would know the decision she’d made. Tesse was going to jump in with both feet. No more pulling back.
She underestimated the insanity of Mr. Reagan. The man kept them at the theater until two in the morning. He insisted in a clean run-through before they were given permission to leave. Dress rehearsals were notoriously laden with mistakes. It was expected and did not reflect on the performance of opening night, but Mr. Reagan had convinced himself that a clean run-through would make up for the week prior.
Despite the lateness of the hour, Tess was determined to go to Jerrod’s after rehearsal. Just as she was leaving, Mr. Reagan came up to her. “A little bird told me that you skipped several of your classes this week, Miss Hayes.”
“Unusual circumstances, sir.”
“I figure it must be boy trouble, which would account for your sporadic performance.” Tesse opened her mouth to defend herself, but he put his hand up. “I don’t care and I don’t want to hear excuses. What I want is for you to go straight to your room and get a good night’s rest. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. Meet me here at seven tomorrow so we can run through a couple of scenes before your first class.”
Tesse groaned. Poor Jerrod would have to wait until tomorrow, but it was probably for the best. She barely made it to the dorm room before collapsing. Her exhaustion seeped into her bones and she lay there unable to move, not having enough energy to even to take off her clothes.
“Susan, I need you to do something,” she mumbled from her bed.
“What, Tesse? It’s after two in the morning.”
“I need you to set my alarm for six-thirty. I can’t move.”
Her roommate laughed. “Oh my God, Tesse. You’ve turned into such a diva!” She got out of bed and set the alarm for her, giving Tesse a pat on the head. “Go to sleep, Miss Thing.”
“Thanks, Susan.”
“Shut up and go to sleep,” Susan mumbled.
Tesse drifted off to sleep thinking about Luke. She was finally ready to let him go. Just like the musical, once she took Jerrod’s hand there would be no turning back. Tomorrow her Phantom would be lost to her forever.
Day 1 & Counting…
The annoying alarm went off far too soon. Tesse smashed her fist down on it and rolled out of bed. She grunted when she hit the floor.
Get up, girl. Today’s your big day.
She struggled into the shower and stood under the warm cascade of water. The shower was invigorating and life returned to her tired body. By the time Tesse left the dorm she was feeling ready for her big début. Mr. Reagan even had a latte waiting for her. “I want our star to be happy today,” he explained, handing to it her.
Tesse smiled uneasily when she took it. He hated his students drinking caffeine. “This isn’t a test, is it? You’re not going to throw me out of the show if I take a sip, are you?”
He chuckled. “No, it’s a onetime treat. To be honest, I am impressed with the quality of your voice and the sense of angst you bring to your role. It’s convincing, even for a seasoned director like me. I’m not one to give out warm fuzzies, but the fact is I know you have real talent and I want you to shine tonight.” Tesse took a drink of her coffee to avoid having to say anything after such high praise. “So enough of this touchy-feely crap, let’s get to work,” he grumbled.
Morning rehearsal went well and Tess quickly caught herself up in the classes she missed. The day seemed blessed, everything fitting together like a beautifully orchestrated song.
She looked for Jerrod in the cafeteria during lunch, but didn’t see him. She tried his phone, but he wasn’t answering. Tesse hoped he would come to her performance. If not, she planned to skip the cast party and seek him out. Tonight Tesse was determined to show Jerrod just how she felt about him. The thought of it gave her pleasant chills.
Tesse was flying high all day, and it only got better when she received a large bouquet of roses at the theater just before curtain call. Tesse opened the card and sighed happily. “Break a leg, Tesse. Your number one fan will be in the audience cheering for you. Love, Jerrod.” She kissed the card and hugged it to her chest. Yep, everything was going as planned.
Three minutes before the show, Tesse received another flower. A single carnation with a note attached. She told Larry to put it in her dressing room, but he insisted she read it. “Come on, Larry, you know I don’t have time for this. The show is about to begin.”
“I was told to read the card to you if you wouldn’t read it yourself.”
Tesse hastily grabbed the note and read by the flashlight Larry provided. “Tesse, look for us in the middle of the fourth row.”
“Us?” she asked Larry.
He smiled impishly. It was obvious he knew what was going on, but wasn’t telling. She took a quick peek through the curtains. Her eyes scanned the crowded auditorium. It was a sold-out show. Tesse searched for her mysterious admirers. She gasped when she saw her face.
“Mom?”
Tears pricked her eyes. She’s here!
Luke was sitting beside her dressed in a formal tux and looking more handsome than she’d ever seen him. She closed the curtain, her heart racing wildly as Mr. Reagan shouted, “Places, people!” and the orchestra began to play…
Tesse had no time to think. She smoothed out her gown and stood in the wings. She waited with bated breath, listening to the famous melody that began the musical. There was nothing else like it. Loud and haunting, it sent chills through her.
When she finally took the stage, she was on another plane of existence. No longer Tesse, she became Christine. She forgot about her mother, Luke, and Jerrod. The music carried her along; the story was her story. She sang to her Phantom with all the love she had inside and then she embraced the sweet love Raoul offered. The choice was too difficult; it tore at her heart.
When the Phantom asked her to sing for him, she sang with a voice strong and pure. The notes that had proved difficult in the past now flowed out effortlessly. The audience rose to its feet during the song. Tesse exited from the dramatic scene to deafening applause. Steven, the boy who played the Phantom, even commented, “Tesse, that was amazing! You gave me goose bumps just now.” She thanked him even though she couldn’t take credit for it. Something else was carrying her along to perform better than she ever had before.
As the end of the musical approached, Tesse began to shake. She knew what was coming and she dreaded playing it out on the stage.
“Make your choice, Christine!”
Her choice was to move forward with the safe love of Raoul and live the life she had dreamed of as a little girl. It was within her grasp.
Or…
She could embrace the unknown worl
d of the Phantom who had loved her from the beginning. The man who had shaped her with his love, but whose future was dangerous and uncertain.
She kissed the Phantom hesitantly. His future was frightening, but she melted into his embrace—the power of his love consuming her. When he pulled away, she leaned in again, needing more of his fiery passion. This time reality blurred and she gave fully into her desire. Steve groaned as he responded to her unrestrained kiss. Their kiss lingered far longer than it was suppose to, and she could feel the audience hold their collective breath. They longed for Christine to stay with the Phantom.
Then came the pivotal moment when the Phantom insisted that Christine leave his side. Tesse began to cry. She took Raoul’s hand, but she sang her youthful love song meant for him still looking back at the Phantom, tears streaming down her face.
When the curtain closed, the applause rocked the tiny theater. Tesse slowly returned to earth when Steve pushed her take a bow. The two of them walked back out on the stage to a standing ovation. Tesse scanned the crowd until her eyes locked onto Luke’s. He was crying, as was her mother. Julie threw her a kiss.
My mom’s proud of me.
Until that moment, Tesse never knew how much that meant.
Flowers fell at Tesse’s feet. The audience loved her voice, loved the passion she had shared with them. It was intoxicating. When the curtain finally closed, the actors quickly made their way off the stage. Steve took her hand and led her through the hallways, still glowing from their passionate kiss. Apparently, he didn’t realize the feelings she had expressed were for someone other than him.
Tesse ran into the arms of her mother first. “I can’t believe you came!”
Julie held her tight. “It took a lot of convincing on Luke’s part, but I am so glad I’m here. Your voice is phenomenal, Tesse.” Julie took her face in both hands and said, “Better than I could ever have imagined.”
Tesse fought off the tears, having cried too many already. She turned to Luke. “Thank you. You’ll never know what this means to me.”
His lopsided smile captivated her heart. “I do know. That’s why I did it.” She flew into Luke’s arms, pressing her head against his chest.
Jerrod pushed his way through the crowd, smiling until he saw Tess in Luke’s embrace. The heartbreak on his face crushed her. “Hello,” he said to Luke coolly.
Luke released Tesse and held out his right hand to Jerrod. “It is good to see you again.”
Jerrod shook it half-heartedly. “To be honest, I can’t say the same.”
Julie spoke up, defusing the uncomfortable situation. “You must be Jerrod. I’m Tessa’s mother.”
Jerrod smiled engagingly “Well, now that’s an unexpected surprise.” He took her hand and kissed it. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hayes.”
Her mother was taken aback by the gesture. Tesse thought she saw Julie’s cheeks color, which was so unlike her. “A handshake would do, young man,” she murmured.
Jerrod grinned and turned to Tesse. “You were amazing! Baby, you had the whole audience enraptured.” Jerrod guided her into his arms, twirling her around. “Did you get my flowers?”
She gazed up at Jerrod, her feelings for him a mess of conflicting emotions. “Yes. They were beautiful.”
“I’m glad.” Jerrod glanced over at Luke. “It was good of you to bring Tesse’s mother. You are a real class act.”
Julie took Tesse’s hand and pulled her away from Jerrod. “Boys, if you don’t mind, I would like to talk to my daughter alone for a few minutes.”
Both men nodded. Julie led her away from the crowd of well-wishers. People patted her back and praised her performance as Julie led Tesse to a secluded spot. Julie squeezed her hand tightly as she struggled with her words. “Tessa… I never knew how talented you were… I’m so sorry.”
Tesse couldn’t believe it. Her mother, who had been so controlled all of her life, was suddenly vulnerable and soft. “It’s okay, Julie. I’m just glad you came. It means everything to me.”
“You have Luke to thank. It took great tenacity on his part to get me to listen. But he’s right, you do have the voice of an angel. I am so grateful I heard it tonight.” Julie held out her arms to her.
Tesse rushed into them without reservation. “Oh, Mom!” It was the first time she felt comfortable calling her Mom in years.
“My beautiful, beautiful daughter.” Tesse felt like a little kid again, in the safe loving embrace of her mother. “Tess, I know you are in a serious relationship with Jerrod. Luke explained everything and he told me of his plans on leaving here tomorrow.” Tesse stiffened as Julie continued, “He believes that is what’s best for you.”
Tesse felt ill and pulled away from her, certain she knew what her mother was going to say.
“I remember an insolent young girl who once told me she loved a boy so much that she would give up her career for him.” Julie looked deep into Tesse’s eyes and asked kindly, “What happened to that girl?”
Tesse gasped in surprise. “Mom?”
“Everything you told me about Luke is true. He is a fine individual. The tragedy he experienced when he was young honed a man of exceptional wisdom and courage. I’ve listened patiently to all his reasons why he is not the right man for you, but frankly, he’s mistaken. Luke is exactly the type of man I want for my daughter.” Tesse unknowingly held her breath as her mother continued. “In fact, I see no reason why you can’t finish your education in London and strike out on the stage there while he studies for his doctorate.”
When her head started pounding, Tesse finally took a breath. She looked at her mother in disbelief and finally asked, “Who are you?”
Julie frowned, but then answered, “Tessa, I have been alone these last two years. Isolation teaches you many things, but it took Luke shaking me awake to understand what I’ve let slip by.” Her expression changed when she added, “I love you. I always have.”
“I love you, too, Mom.”
Julie lightly played with a lone curl framing her face. “I want only the best for you, Tessa.”
“But what about Jerrod? I’m not sure what to do…” she said sadly.
“Tessa, I saw it on the stage. You told the world how you feel.”
Tesse started to cry, knowing the pain she was about to cause him. “I don’t want to break Jerrod’s heart, Mom.”
“I’ll talk to Jerrod.”
Tesse shook her head. “I can’t let you…”
“You need to spend time with Luke. He plans to fly out in the morning. It’s now or never, Tess. What’s it going to be?”
A life with Luke was all she’d ever wanted. Tesse’s deepest desire was hers for the taking if she was willing to risk giving up what she had now. The answer was easy.
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Anytime, Pumpkin.”
They walked back into the throng of people. Tesse had a hard time making it to Luke because of all the kind-hearted congratulators. She saw her mother put her arm around Jerrod and walk off with him. Tess made her way to Luke who stood alone against the wall looking exceedingly charming in his black tux.
“Thanks again for bringing my mom.”
He gazed down at her with love in his eyes. “I would do anything for you, Tesse.”
She touched the scars on his face with her fingertips. “Anything?”
“Of course.”
“Then we need to talk. Can we go to your hotel?”
“What about the cast party? Everyone is talking about your performance. The star of the show has to be there.”
“This is more important.”
“We don’t have to talk. I understand what needs to happen. I love you, Tesse. I always will.”
Tesse put her finger to his lips. “No, you don’t understand. I need to talk to you about our future. I choose you, Phantom.”
When the reality of what she said registered, Luke grabbed her in his arms. Without regard to anyone else, he picked her up and carried her out of the theater.
Before she knew it, they were walking off the elevator of his hotel.
As soon as he shut the door, Tesse backed him against the wall. She mimicked their first kiss by running her tongue lightly over his lips, grazing the scar at the corner of his mouth. He groaned deeply, making her body quiver with longing.
“Luke, before we talk there is something I need from you.”
“What?” he asked gruffly.
“You.”
His mouth came down on hers. “I’ve been yours ever since the first day in Mr. Steele’s class.” Luke picked her up and carried her to the bed. He lay down beside her, staring at her without moving, his eyes drinking her in like fine champagne.
Tesse lovingly caressed his scarred cheek. “Luke, I love you more than I can say.”
“The feeling is mutual, my love.”
She smiled at being called my love. “It’s almost like time stopped for us. Here we are, three years later about to make love for the second time.”
“I’m as inexperienced as I was back then,” he said apologetically.
She grinned. “Me, too.”
“You and Jerrod never…”
“No, I couldn’t.”
Luke gathered her in his arms. “I just assumed. I guess I can stop resenting the guy now.” He kissed the top of her head and murmured, “You are still my Tesse.”
She kissed the tip of his nose. “And you’re still my Kevin.”
He chuckled. “I can’t tell you how hard it was having you call me by that name, especially when we made love. But I couldn’t chance breaking our cover—for all the good it did.”
Tesse kissed him tenderly. “The past doesn’t matter now.” She whispered in his ear, “Make love to me… Luke.” He groaned and then immediately stood up from the bed and started undoing his tie. “No, let me do it,” she purred.
Luke stood still as Tesse slowly unknotted the tie, letting it slip through his collar. She looked up at him before she stripped him down further. “You do look sexy in a tux, Luke. I almost hate to undress you.”